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Mysticons
Genre
Created bySean Jara
Developed by
Directed byMatt Ferguson
Voices of
Theme music composerDanny Craig
Opening theme
  • "Mysticons Theme Song"
  • by Melanie Dawn
Ending theme"Mysticons Theme Song" (instrumental)
ComposerChristian Szczesniak
Country of origin
  • Canada
  • United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes40 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Doug Murphy
  • Irene Weibel
  • Noel Bright
  • Steven A. Cohen
Producers
  • Sean Jara
  • Susie Gallo
Running time21-22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNickelodeon (U.S., 2017)
Nicktoons (U.S., 2018)
YTV
ReleaseAugust 28, 2017 (2017-08-28) –
September 15, 2018 (2018-09-15)

Mysticons is an animated television series that aired from August 28, 2017, to September 15, 2018. A collaboration between companies Nelvana, Playmates Toys, and The Topps Company,[5] it was created by Sean Jara, who also served as executive story editor and producer.[5][6]

In August 2018, Jara confirmed on Twitter that Mysticons had not been renewed for any episodes beyond its initial 40-episode production order.[7] The final episode, "Age of Dragons", aired on September 15, 2018, in the U.S. and September 23, 2018, in Canada.

Plot

[edit]

Set in the realm of Gemina and its capital, Drake City, the series follows the adventures of Arkayna, princess of Gemina, and Emerald, Zarya, and Piper, who are chosen by the Dragon Disk to become the second generation of legendary heroes known as the Mysticons.[8][9][10] They embark on a quest to find four spellbooks and animal-themed bracers of mystical power to form the Codex, which will give them the power needed to save Gemina from Dreadbane, who seeks to release Necrafa, leader of the Spectral Hand and Queen of the Undead, and turned King Darius and Queen Goodfey to stone. Once Necrafa is freed, she betrays Dreadbane and banishes him to another dimension where Imani Firewing, the original Mysticon Dragon Mage, banished her a millennium ago.

They encounter allies and adversaries[9][11] while learning that Arkayna has a long-lost fraternal twin sister, who is assumed to be the Astromancer Proxima Starfall. However, she is revealed to have been a scapegoat and proxy for Zarya Moonwolf, the second Mysticon Ranger and Arkanya's true twin sister. They also learn of a prophecy foretelling Gemina's destruction:

When the twin stars unite
The spectral beast will take flight
Its roars will heard a new dark age
And the realm will be
Purged by the dragon's rage

Necrafa fuses with the Spectral Dragon, but Arkayna and Zarya obtain two rings that transform them into the "Twin Dragon," allowing them to destroy her and the Spectral Dragon, leaving half of her mask behind.

The Mysticons are called back to their heroic duties to destroy Necrafa's mask, which Proxima wears and becomes their adversary after feeling used by Zarya and betrayed by Arkayna for abandoning her for Zarya. She becomes the new leader of the Spectral Hand with help from the Astromancers, whom she places under her control as the Spectromancers, and creates the Dark Codex by corrupting the Dragon Disk. To help her get revenge on the Mysticons, she creates the Vexicons, which are similar to the Mysticons.

Realizing that the mask is controlling her, Proxima attempts to throw it into the Rift of Ruin, but it takes full control of her and prepares to destroy Gemina. With Tazma's help, the Mysticons enter her mind to find a spell that will free her from the mask's influence and Arkayna realizes that she failed to be there for Proxima when she needed her most. With Proxima free, Arkayna saves her from being killed by Mallory, who dons the mask before leaving with the Vexicons.

On the island, the Vexicons prepare for the arrival of the Spectral Hand while Proxima explains its origins, as well as those of Necrafa and Dreadbane, before undoing the spell she cast on the Astromancers. Nova Terron reveals the existence of magical lances that could enhance the power of the Mysticons' bracers and allow them to destroy the Spectral Hand forever, but that the plans to create them are in Queen Goodfey's necklace. When Dreadbane refuses to reverse the curse on Darius and Queen Goodfey, the Mysticons head to the palace to retrieve their petrified forms, but are captured by Mallory. However, Dreadbane saves her, as well as Darius and Queen Goodfey, using the last of his powers to revive them before dying.

After receiving the plans, the Mysticons create the Lance of Justice in the dwarves' forge room and Queen Goodfey accompanies them to confront the Spectral Hand, which emerges from the ancient column of ruins that had imprisoned it. Realizing that the Spectral Hand may be vulnerable to the Dragons of Light, Zarya returns with them to Dragonhenge, where King Valmuk tells them that the only way for the Dragons of Light to reach full adulthood in time is to go to the Ever Realm, where time flows faster. Upon reaching the Valley of Shooting Stars, they are caught by the Vexicons and Eartha has a change of heart and refuses to destroy the dragon eggs. Using their dragon mounts and the power of the bracers, the Mysticons destroy the Spectral Hand and free those it had imprisoned.

With Gemina at peace, life returns to normal as the Mysticons continue their duties defending the realm. Emerald and Eartha live together in Ruddix Hollow, King Darius and Queen Goodfey resume their royal duties and have the Vexicons imprisoned, Nova Terron resigns as master of the Astromancer Academy to be with his girlfriend Geraldine and gives the position to Proxima as compensation for inadvertently helping to ruin her life, presenting her with the Codex and the Dragon Disk.

Cast and characters

[edit]

Production

[edit]

In June 2015, it was reported that Nelvana, a Canadian production company, was partnering with US Nickelodeon to create the series, with the latter broadcasting the show, and Nelvana beginning production later in 2015.[41][42] At the same time, both companies were said to be working with The Topps Company, while Michael Eisner and Noel Bright of the latter are executive producers, as are Colin Bohm, Doug Murphy, and Irene Weibel of Corus Entertainment.[43] By June 2016, the show had been picked up for 40 episodes.[9] Weibel, as the manager of the development slate at Nelvana, served as executive producer as a result on Mysticons and other shows produced by the studio like Mike the Knight, Disney's Lucky Duck and Hotel Transylvania.[44] In addition, Sean Jara would be the show's creator, writer, and executive story editor.[45] The show was later promoted as a "genre-defining action series" before its release.[46]

Themes

[edit]

The show is female-centered, as opposed to "many male-centered series" for younger viewers while focusing on magic, superpowers, and the classic good vs. evil dichotomy.[47][48] As such, the series has elves primarily in the form of 110-year-old protagonist Piper Willowbrook, whose elvish name is Pyperia Ashryn Elvaniski, but also in the case of Hortensia Q. Sparklebottom, and princesses like Arkana Goodfey and Zarya Moonwolf, who are both protagonists who were separated at birth. Furthermore, the series has a focus on the undead For instance, villain and undead sorceress Queen Necrafa is a lich,[49] which is a type of undead creature. Her power is suggested to originate from the spectral hand, a reign of evil that started from a witch seeking district powers. Due to the focus on magic and fantasy, the series has been compared to the upcoming Crunchyroll Original, High Guardian Spice by some critics.[50] The series was promoted by Nelvana as focusing on "girls’ strength, power, and courage"[51] while other reviewers said it promotes "strong, confident, smart and funny girls."[48] One reviewer described the first graphic novel offshoot based on the series as a "contemporary urban fantasy"[10] which can also apply to the animated series.

LGBT representation

[edit]
See also: LGBT children's television programming § LGBT representation on Nickelodeon

In October 2017, it was reported that a kiss between two female characters, Zarya Moonwolf and Kitty Boon, on the show was in danger of being cut.[52] Despite this, the show showed the "development of a female-female romance," between Zarya, a protagonist, and her childhood friend, Kitty, known as "MoonBoon," culminating in romantic moments.[53] In August 2018, the show's creator, Sean Jara, confirmed the two as a couple, noting that only one version of the episode was created and that the show's creative team fought for a kiss, but lost, even though they managed "to keep the integrity of the love story." Jara also said there is a "beautiful love story" between Zarya and Kitty in the show, referring to the interactions between the two characters in episode 37 ("The Princess and the Pirate"), stated the importance of showing "love between LGBTQ characters on TV," and said that the kiss was cut from the episode because of "systemic homophobia" in the kids' television industry, crediting Rebecca Sugar for making strides.[54] He opined on the continual battle for more LGBTQ representation, cited an Entertainment Weekly article about LGBTQ representation in cartoons,[c] and praised the battles for more representation which go on behind the scenes. He said this saying that Nick did not pick up the show for more than 40 episodes[55] and, once again, confirmed Kitty and Zarya as a lesbian couple.[56] In September, Jara said that they treated the relationship between Kitty and Zarya "like all the other relationships in the show." He added that while he was nervous and aware of possible roadblocks, Matt Ferguson, the show's director, supported it, as did his writing team. Ferguson argued that pushback came from not from people who were "evil" but rather from those who were "trying to do the best job at their particular job."[57]

In June 2021, Abbey White of Insider reported that when the show's studio changed the series to center on four teenage girls, Jara brought in more women and queer writers to the show's writing team, who were "responsible for building out an arc between lesbian characters Zarya Moonwolf and Kitty Boon," which fans gave the shipping name of "MoonBoon." Jara recalled that he sent in the script for a kiss of the two character to the show's studios, and Nickelodeon, and fellow producers working on the show. But, the moment never aired, despite support from Nickelodeon, because a partner was concerned that the storyline was not "age-appropriate" for young viewers. As a result, despite Jara's attempts to convince the partner, the creative team had to scrap the kiss, and almost had to unravel the whole love story between Zarya and Kitty, but Jara fought for its inclusion. In the article, Nelvana confirmed that the decision to remove the kiss was made during production of the show's Season Two, and said that they were committed to having "creative storytelling with diversity and inclusion at the forefront" when it comes to BIPOC and LGBTQ representation."[58]

Staff and cast

[edit]

From 2014 to 2017, Stevie Vallance was based in Toronto as the Voice Director of the series.[59] The principal voice cast includes Alyson Court as Arkayna Goodfey,[d][60] Evany Rosen as Emerald Goldenbraid,[61] Nicki Burke as Zarya Moonwolf,[62][63] and Ana Sani as Piper Willowbrook.[48][64][65] In terms of recurring characters, David Berni was Gawayne the Great,[66] Katie Griffin was Kitty Boon,[67][68] Linda Kash was Queen Goodfey and Kymraw,[69] and Dan Lett was Nova Terron.[70]

In March 2018, the show was nominated for various awards at the 6th Canadian Screen Awards. This included one for Matt Ferguson, who directed the episode "Scourge of the Seven Skies" and another for Sean Jara, who wrote the episode "Sisters in Arms."[71] While Ferguson did not get an award, Jara won an award for his writing on the aforementioned episode.[72] The following year, another episode Jara wrote, "The Princess and the Pirate," was nominated for an award as the 7th Canadian Screen Awards.[73] The same year, Ana Sani was nominated for the "Outstanding Performance – Female Voice" ACTRA Award for her role in the episode "The Edge of Two Morrows."[74][75] Also that year, Elize Morgan, a writer who worked on Mysticons, would be a juror for the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International.[76] Apart from Morgan, Jocelyn Geddie, Steph Kaliner, and Corey Liu were writers on the show.[77][78]

Character design

[edit]

Some stated that some characters may be inspired by past animations, like She-Ra: Princess of Power, with Dreadbane looking like Hordak and Choko looking like Kowl.[79] Others stated that the series tapped into the "magical girl revival."[80]

Music

[edit]

In March 2018 the show was nominated for three awards at the 6th Canadian Screen Awards. One of these was for Christian Szczesniak's music in the episode "The Coronation."[71] In November of the 2018 it was reported that singer Dulce Lopez sang the Spanish language version of the Mysticons theme song.[81] In January 2020, the Canadian pop supergroup Girl Pow-R was handpicked to re-create, and sing, the show's theme song.[82][83]

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of Mysticons episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
120August 28, 2017 (2017-08-28)February 10, 2018 (2018-02-10)
220February 17, 2018 (2018-02-17)September 15, 2018 (2018-09-15)

Promotion and release

[edit]

Mysticons was originally aimed at boys[84][6] but switched its focus to girls aged 6 to 15 during the development process.[85][86] Nelvana's Andrew Kerr explained in 2016 that the show's developers agreed that "at this moment in time the project would be better served if we had female protagonists."[86]

On June 16, 2018, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Elevation Pictures released the first DVD volume in Canada containing episodes 1–6 on June 19, 2018, under the name "New Heroes Rise."[87] In August of that year, Lisa Godfrey, Vice-President of original content of Corus, used the show as an example, noting that not only do they make money "from a U.S. broadcast deal with Nickelodeon," merchandising sales, partnerships with companies like Burger King and other money from owning the intellectual property related to the series, saying this model is profitable.[88]

Telecast

[edit]

In mid-August 2017, Nickelodeon unveiled the series with a trailer and "character featurettes."[89] Then, on the week starting August 28, 2017, Mysticons premiered on Nickelodeon, in the U.S., through a five-day event over the week, before moving to its regular Sunday morning timeslot. Mysticons then began airing on Nicktoons on August 30.[90] Premieres moved to that network with the show's second airing season on January 13, 2018.[91] Reruns also aired on the Nick Jr. Channel and TeenNick.[92] During the show's entire run, it was broadcast by Nickelodeon in the U.S., on Nicktoons in Central and Eastern Europe, and on Nick Jr. It also airs on CITV, the children's television strand of ITV in the United Kingdom, by Nickelodeon in Canada, Nicktoons in Germany, and Nickelodeon in Spain and Portugal, and on Nicktoons in Poland from 2018 to Present.

In Canada, the series premiered on YTV through a similar five-day event on August 28, 2017 before moving to its Sunday timeslot on September 3, 2017, replacing the series Nerds and Monsters on The Zone programming block.[93] Repeats began airing on Nickelodeon and Teletoon on September 9. In the French-language Canada, a five-day preview aired on Télétoon between September 4 and 8, before moving to its regular slot on September 9.[94][95] In October 2017, the show returned to Nickelodeon in the United States.[96]

Printed media and merchandise

[edit]

Prior to the show's debut, Nelvana launched a YouTube channel for Mysticons on July 19, 2017.[97][98] The web content was produced by Blue Ant Media.[99]

Since the animated show aired on Nickelodeon, on August 28, 2017, an ever-expanding series of graphic novels/comic books have been released once or twice a year. Unlike other popular shows and graphic novels (W.I.T.C.H., Avatar: The Last Airbender, Avatar: The Legend of Korra) none have any titles but is merely seen as the volume number. Volume 1 was released at that time, followed by Volume 2 was on May 21, 2019, and Volume 3 in late 2019, with each depicting original adventures that never occurred in the animated series. Then, in October 2017, Nelvana launched the "Piper Parkour" browser game and the free-to-play iOS and Android Mysticons: Secrets of Gemina mobile game. In December 2017, a second browser game, "Arkayna Attack" was launched, followed by "Em's Mayhem" in February 2018 and "Cover of Night" in March 2018. All five were developed by Relish Interactive. Later in 2017, Playmates Toys released a Mysticons toyline.[100][101] The Topps Company published a trading card game concurrently.[102] A Burger King kids meal promotion ran in the United States and Canada in February and March 2018.[103]

Macmillan Publishers launched a Mysticons novel series on June 19, 2018, with the first two titles being the show adaptation Quest for the Codex and the original adventure tale The Secret of the Fifth Mysticon.[104][105][106] The second set, the novelization Prophecy of Evil and the original story The Stolen Magic were released on August 28, 2018.[107][108] A third original novel, titled The Diamond Curse was released on January 8, 2019.[109] Alongside the text versions, Macmillan also released audiobooks of their original stories narrated by members of the show's voice cast.[110][111][112]

On August 15, 2018, Dark Horse Comics launched an ongoing series of graphic novels by Kate Leth and Megan Levens. Later, a miniseries of four chapter books, featuring one of the second generation of the four Mysticons as the central character was released. Emerald's tale is set sometime in the first season; whereas Arkayna and Zarya's are set in the second and final season, as both mention of them being long-lost fraternal twin sisters. Three books out four were released: The Secret of the Fifth Mysticon (featuring Emerald "Em", the second Mysticon Knight), The Stolen Magic (featuring Zarya, the second Mysticon Ranger), and The Diamond Curse (featuring Arkayna, the second Mysticon Dragon Mage).[113][114][115][116]

Reception

[edit]

Melissa Camacho of Common Sense Media praised the series as fun, but warned parents that there is "lots of fantasy violence" and some "dark images" which might "scare younger kids," but that it contains "magical creature companions," trainer, and dark forces that young fans of anime are drawn toward.[47] She also stated that the series is not educational, but offers an "entertaining alternative to the many male-centered series" produced for those of this age group. In contrast, The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction contributor Steven Pearce gave a positive review, stating that the three story arcs of the series centers on a different villain, and stated that even though the series is set in a futuristic city, "noir tendencies of urban fantasy are avoided" with cultural influence of Earth still present, even as there are sci-fi elements. Pearce also pointed out that the show is "more action-orientated" than most shows which target young girls, stated that while the animation budget wasn't big, it was "used imaginatively" and says that while the story is fast-moving, it gains strength as it moved along, resulting in a "fun, exciting series."[117]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mysticons

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is a Canadian animated action-adventure television series created by Sean Jara and produced by Nelvana in collaboration with The Topps Company, Corus Entertainment, and Playmates Toys. The series follows four teenage girls—Princess Arkayna, street-smart Zarya, tech-savvy Emerald, and energetic Piper—who are selected by the ancient Dragon Disk to transform into the Mysticons, a team of legendary warriors wielding magical powers and artifacts to defend the realm of Gemina from the undead queen Necrafa and her forces of evil. Premiering on Nickelodeon on August 28, 2017, with a five-day event before shifting to Nicktoons, the show ran for two seasons comprising 40 episodes until September 15, 2018, airing concurrently on YTV in Canada. As part of a broader transmedia franchise targeting young girls, Mysticons spawned toy lines by Playmates Toys, including articulated action figures, role-play items, and collectible creatures, marking the company's first such offerings designed specifically for a female audience. Additional media extensions included a mobile game, Mysticons: Secrets of Gemina, and comic books published by Dark Horse Comics, expanding the lore of Gemina's mythology and the Mysticons' battles against dark forces.

Premise

Core Plot Summary

is an animated series set in the mystical realm of Gemina, primarily in its capital, Drake City, where four teenage girls are destined to become legendary warriors known as the Mysticons. The protagonists—Arkayna, the princess of Gemina; Zarya, a street-smart orphan; Emerald, a technology-savvy elf; and Piper, a energetic troll—are brought together after Arkayna discovers the Dragon Disk, an ancient artifact that enables her transformation into the Striker, wielder of a mystical staff. This event propels them into their roles as the new Mysticons, each harnessing unique powers derived from the Dragon Disk to defend Gemina. The core narrative revolves around their quest to recover the , a powerful magic tome containing ancient spells essential for maintaining balance in the realm. One thousand years prior, the original Mysticons used the Dragon Disk to defeat Necrafa, an queen seeking domination, sealing her away but not destroying her entirely. In the present, Necrafa resurrects with her minions, including the , plotting to seize the and unleash eternal darkness. The Mysticons must navigate alliances, personal growth, and battles against Necrafa's forces while uncovering the realm's hidden lore and their own latent abilities. Throughout the series, which aired 40 episodes from August 28, 2017, to September 15, 2018, the group faces escalating threats, including rival factions and internal conflicts, as they strive to prevent Necrafa's conquest and restore peace to Gemina. Their adventures emphasize , bravery, and the fusion of and in a world blending fantasy elements with modern urban settings.

World-Building Elements

The realm of Mysticons is Gemina, a fantastical world where magic coexists with modern technology in an setting centered on the capital city of Drake City. This blend allows for diverse inhabitants including humans, elves, dwarves, pixies, fairies, hags, and monstrous creatures, with magic not universally accessible but manifested through specific artifacts and chosen individuals. Central to the world's mythology is a historical conflict from one thousand years prior, when the original Mysticons—legendary warriors—united via the Dragon Disk, a sentient ancient relic, to defeat the Undead Queen Necrafa and seal her away, establishing a fragile peace. The Dragon Disk serves as the core magical conduit, selecting bearers, granting transformative powers, weaponry, and abilities tied to animal motifs (such as dragons, wolves, and griffins), while enabling the formation of the Codex—a powerful tome assembled from four spellbooks and mystical bracers that amplifies their strength against resurgent threats like Necrafa's forces. Recurring supernatural elements include armies, spectral dragons, and corrupted artifacts, with the Mysticons' role defined by as defenders who must master and beast-themed powers to prevent Gemina's domination by dark entities. The society's structure features monarchic rule under figures like Queen Goodfey, alongside street-level and royal dynamics that highlight tensions between magical heritage and technological urban life.

Characters

Main Protagonists

The main protagonists of Mysticons are four teenage girls—Princess Arkayna Goodfey, Zarya Moonwolf, Piper Willowbrook, and Emerald Goldenbraid—who are selected as the new generation of Mysticons, legendary warriors empowered by ancient artifacts to protect the realm of Gemina from threats like the undead queen Necrafa. These characters transform using the Disk and Coin Clasp, each embodying a distinct role and affinity, with Arkayna as the Mage (green magic), Zarya as the Ranger (blue archery and agility), Piper as the Striker (red boomerangs and manipulation), and Emerald as the (pink strength and hammer-based melee). The group forms through serendipitous meetings in Drake City, initially clashing due to differing backgrounds before uniting against common foes, emphasizing themes of friendship and destiny. Princess Arkayna Goodfey, voiced by , serves as the de facto leader and Mysticon Dragon Mage, wielding powerful spellcasting derived from her royal heritage as one of Gemina's twin princesses. Residing in Drake City Tower, she discovers her powers early in the series after activating the Dragon Disk, often relying on intuition and magical prowess to guide the team despite her inexperience in combat. Her arc involves balancing royal duties with her warrior role, including revelations about her twin connection to Zarya, which drives key plot developments across the 40-episode run from to 2018. Zarya Moonwolf, voiced by Nicki Burke, is the Mysticon Ranger, an orphaned former pirate from the Undercity who excels in precision and stealth tactics with her blue-coded bow. Street-smart and fiercely protective, particularly toward Piper whom she treats as a , Zarya's background instills a of , leading to initial conflicts with Arkayna before her loyalty solidifies the team's dynamics. Her skills prove crucial in reconnaissance and ranged assaults, and her personal growth centers on embracing vulnerability amid battles against Necrafa's forces. Piper Willowbrook, voiced by Ana Sani, functions as the Mysticon Striker, a petite orphan from the streets skilled in throws and seismic ground pounds tied to her elemental theme. Optimistic and inventive despite her impoverished upbringing, she brings levity to the group, often devising unconventional solutions, though her naivety occasionally exposes the team to risks. Piper's 110th birthday episode highlights her longing for stability, underscoring her evolution from survivalist to committed guardian of Gemina. Emerald Goldenbraid, voiced by , acts as the Mysticon Knight, a dwarf inventor and Arkayna's childhood friend who channels pink energy into and hammer strikes for frontline defense. Her technical expertise aids in creation and modifications, compensating for her shorter stature with brute force and . As the group's moral anchor, Emerald's unwavering support for Arkayna fosters team cohesion, with her arcs exploring innovation under pressure during the series' confrontations with villains like the Vexicons.

Antagonists and Supporting Roles

Queen Necrafa serves as the overarching antagonist of the series, depicted as an evil queen employing dark magic to threaten the realm of Gemina and its inhabitants. Her influence persists through artifacts like her mask, which corrupts others and enables further villainy after her initial defeat. Dreadbane, originally Reginald Bane, functions as a major antagonist, portrayed as an warrior commanding a in opposition to the Mysticons. Voiced by Deven Mack, he embodies from his prior role as a Sky Lancer, engaging in battles that drive early plot conflicts. The Vexicons emerge as secondary antagonists in later episodes, consisting of four female warriors summoned from a dark codex to mirror and combat the Mysticons directly. Created under the influence of Necrafa's mask, they represent amplified threats tailored to exploit the protagonists' weaknesses. Among supporting roles, Malvaron Grimm acts as a key ally to the Mysticons, serving as an Astromancer who trains them in power usage and offers strategic advice during quests. Voiced by Deven Mack, his expertise in magic provides essential aid without direct combat involvement. Tazma Grimm, Malvaron's sister, occupies a as a recurring with personal ambitions, often clashing with both heroes and other villains through cunning schemes. Her familial ties add layers to interpersonal dynamics within the narrative. Proxima Starfall transitions from supporting ally to , initially aiding the group before wielding Necrafa's mask, which amplifies her resentment and leads to the Vexicons' creation. This arc highlights themes of driven by perceived slights.

Production

Development History

In April 2013, Corus Entertainment's animation studio announced a partnership with to develop and produce an titled Mysticons, initially conceived as a boys' action franchise. This collaboration expanded to include Michael Eisner's , focusing on creating a property centered around mystical warriors and high-stakes battles in a fantasy realm. The series was created by screenwriter Sean Jara, who served as executive story editor and producer, investing approximately four years in its conceptualization and refinement to build out characters, lore, and narrative arcs. During this period, significant revisions occurred, including a pivot in target demographic from boys to girls aged 6 to 11, which entailed reworking character designs, themes, and marketing angles to emphasize empowerment and friendship alongside action elements; executive Andrew Kerr noted in 2016 that this shift aligned with market research indicating stronger appeal for girl-led fantasy properties. By June 2015, formalized additional partnerships with for merchandise tie-ins and for broadcasting rights, solidifying the production pipeline ahead of its eventual premiere. These developments addressed early challenges in audience positioning, resulting in a finalized series that retained core mystical transformation mechanics but adapted them for broader accessibility.

Creative Process and Challenges

The Mysticons animated series originated from creator Sean Jara's concept inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and discussions with friends, initially developed as a boys' action property around 2011. Over four years, Jara crafted a storyline featuring four male protagonists, complete with 12 scripted episodes and an animatic, in collaboration with Nelvana, The Topps Company, and Playmates Toys. This phase emphasized fantasy adventure elements suited to a male audience, with production announced on April 8, 2013. In 2015, following an executive directive, the project pivoted to target girls aged 6-11, re-envisioning the four leads as female characters—Arkayna, Zarya, Emerald, and Piper—each embodying archetypes like leader, heart, brain, and courage. Jara, motivated partly by his daughter's preferences for otherworldly stories observed in bookstores, led the redesign in approximately one week, discarding prior male-centric material while retaining core fantasy world-building. The shift aligned with market demands for girls' content, transforming the series into a magic-and-friendship-driven narrative. To ensure authentic female perspectives, Jara assembled an nearly all-female writing staff, a departure from the male-dominated action genre in animation circles. This influenced narrative choices, such as adapting character reactions to emphasize emotional depth and collaboration over traditional male-hero tropes, while director Matt Ferguson highlighted natural evolution in relationships, including subtle LGBT elements between characters Zarya and Kitty Boombats that emerged organically in scripting. Key challenges included the emotional and logistical strain of overhauling four years of development, with Jara initially resisting due to personal investment in the original vision. Sourcing experienced female writers for high-action content proved difficult amid limited industry representation at the time. Additionally, external pressures from production partners led to the excision of a planned same-sex kiss between Zarya and Kitty, despite Jara's advocacy and precedents in shows like ; Jara attributed this to conservative concerns over market backlash, nearly derailing the subplot entirely, though the relationship persisted in subtler forms. The series concluded after its 40-episode order without renewal, limiting further exploration of these elements.

Themes and Narrative Choices

The Mysticons series centers on themes of female empowerment, portraying four adolescent girls—Arkayna, Zarya, Emerald, and Piper—who discover their destinies as mystical warriors wielding powers to combat an ancient , thereby emphasizing and agency in a fantastical . This framework contrasts with many contemporaneous children's animations dominated by male leads, deliberately positioning female protagonists as the primary heroes capable of restoring balance through courage and skill. Friendship and form a foundational motif, as the diverse , hailing from contrasting social strata (a sheltered , a , a noble's daughter, and a tinker's child), must forge bonds to overcome personal flaws and collective threats like the undead sorceress Necrafa. Their interpersonal dynamics highlight mutual support, , and growth, with episodes illustrating how amplifies individual strengths against overwhelming odds. Narrative choices favor a serialized, quest-driven structure over standalone episodes, revolving around the pursuit of the —a magical tome essential for defeating darkness—while integrating elements such as elves, dwarves, and pixies into an urban-mystical setting inspired by role-playing games like . This approach enables ambitious character arcs, including Arkayna's evolution from impulsive idealism to strategic leadership, underscoring themes of destiny tempered by personal choice and redemption. The inclusion of moral ambiguity, such as reluctant alliances with former adversaries, adds depth to the good-versus-evil binary, prioritizing causal consequences of actions over simplistic heroism.

Technical Aspects

Mysticons employed digital 2D animation techniques, leveraging vector-based rigging and tweening for character movements and backgrounds. Produced primarily by Studios in , the series utilized Harmony software, a industry-standard platform for creating fluid action sequences and transformations central to the show's fantasy battles. This approach allowed for efficient production of 40 half-hour episodes across two seasons, with an emphasis on modular asset reuse for the protagonists' mystical powers and creature designs. Audio production involved standard voice recording sessions for the English-language cast, conducted in professional studios to capture performances for the four lead characters and supporting roles. Dialogue was synchronized post-animation, incorporating sound effects libraries for magical incantations and impacts to enhance immersion. The original theme song was composed and produced by Danny Craig, featuring upbeat electronic and orchestral elements suited to the action-adventure genre. Incidental music drew from synthesized and live-recorded instrumentation, though specific composers beyond the theme remain uncredited in primary production notes. Post-production integrated for the realm's ethereal aesthetics, with cel-shading effects simulating traditional hand-drawn lines over digital fills. Frame rates targeted 24 fps for broadcast smoothness, aligning with Nickelodeon's standards for children's programming. No advanced CGI integration was reported, maintaining a consistent 2D pipeline to control costs and timelines.

Broadcast and Episodes

Airing Details

Mysticons premiered on August 28, 2017, with the episode "Sisters in Arms" airing on in the United States and YTV in . The initial episodes broadcast daily from August 28 to 31, 2017, on before settling into a Saturday morning schedule at 5:30 a.m. ET. In , YTV aired the series on Sundays at 11 a.m. ET/PT following the premiere week. Episode premieres transitioned to Nicktoons in the United States starting January 13, 2018, for the second production season, while reruns continued on . The series produced 40 episodes across two seasons, each approximately 22 minutes in length, concluding with the season 2 finale "Age of Dragons" on September 15, 2018. International distribution included broadcasts on channels such as in select regions, though primary airing remained tied to properties and YTV. The show's run aligned with its co-production by and , targeting preschool and early school-age audiences through weekend slots optimized for family viewing.

Season Structure and Episode Overviews

The Mysticons animated series consists of two seasons totaling 40 episodes, with each season comprising 20 half-hour installments produced by . Season 1 aired from August 28, 2017, to April 7, 2018, primarily on in the United States and YTV in , focusing on the assembly of the four protagonists—Arkayna, Zarya, Emerald, and Piper—as the new Mysticons, who gain transformative powers via ancient bracers to defend the realms of Evernum and against the undead sorceress Necrafa's resurrection and conquest schemes. Episodes in this season emphasize team-building, initial training, and skirmishes with Necrafa's minions, such as in "Sisters in Arms" (the premiere, where the girls are bonded by destiny during an invasion), "How to Train a Mysticon" (exploring power mastery and alliances), and "The Astromancer Job" (involving a heist to counter magical threats). The arc culminates in escalating battles to prevent Necrafa's full awakening, incorporating elements of royal duty, friendship dynamics, and artifact hunts across 20 episodes that establish the core mythology. Season 2, broadcast from June 16, 2018, to September 15, 2018, expands on the established lore with deeper explorations of the Mysticons' origins, familial ties, and interdimensional conflicts, introducing subplots like sibling rivalries and new adversaries beyond Necrafa's direct influence. Opening with "Three Mysticons and a Baby" (addressing adjustments amid a mystical infant's arrival), the season progresses through episodes such as "Star-Crossed Sisters" (delving into celestial prophecies and betrayals), "Scream of the " (confronting auditory curses and hordes), and "The Edge of Two Morrows" (navigating time-bending dilemmas), building toward climactic confrontations with amplified stakes involving ancient evils and realm unification. This shifts toward serialized arcs with greater emphasis on character backstories and moral complexities, while maintaining action-oriented standalone adventures within the 20-episode framework. Production treated the series as two blocks of 20 episodes each, without a formal mid-series hiatus beyond standard broadcasting schedules.

Marketing and Commercial Aspects

Promotion Strategies

Nickelodeon initiated promotion for Mysticons with a digital media rollout in July 2017, including the launch of a dedicated YouTube channel and social media accounts to build anticipation ahead of the series premiere. This strategy emphasized online engagement for young audiences, featuring teasers and character introductions to foster early fan interaction. In mid-August 2017, the network released an official launch trailer alongside "character featurettes" highlighting the four protagonists, which were distributed across Nickelodeon's platforms to generate buzz for the August 28 premiere. Concurrently, partnerships with digital content creators like Plus supported immersive campaigns, particularly for the Canadian broadcast on YTV, aiming to create interactive experiences tailored to children's preferences for short-form video and gamified content. Cross-promotional efforts extended to retail and fast-food tie-ins, such as a 2018 collaboration with across North American locations, offering branded meals and toys to leverage meal-time exposure for families. Toy manufacturer complemented this by unveiling action figures integrated with trading cards, which unlocked quests in a companion digital app, blending physical merchandise with app-based interactivity to drive sustained interest beyond episodes. Additional tactics included episode sneak peeks on Nickelodeon's website and promotional giveaways, such as a prize pack contest in February 2018, to maintain visibility during the airing schedule. These strategies prioritized multi-platform accessibility and licensed extensions, though industry observers noted limited on-air slots and reruns potentially constraining broader reach.

Merchandise and Tie-Ins

developed the primary merchandise line for Mysticons, launching its first collection targeted at girls in November 2017, coinciding with the series premiere. The assortment included 7-inch articulated figures of the main characters—such as Arkayna Goodfey (Mysticon Dragon Mage) with a dragon staff and removable , Zarya (Mysticon Striker), Emerald Goldenbraid (Mysticon Ranger), and Piper (Mysticon Fool)—along with accessories like translucent weapons and flying griffin steeds in battle armor. Additional items encompassed role-play sets, plush toys (e.g., Choko the dragon), and deluxe figures like the Magic Lights Zarya with light-up features. These products were distributed through retailers including Toys"R"Us, , and Amazon, with initial availability emphasizing collectibility and play value tied to the show's magical transformation themes. Tie-in promotions extended to fast-food partnerships, such as Kids Meal toys in 2018 featuring articulated figures of characters like Arkayna Goodfey. The toy line's design prioritized detailed sculpting and compatibility for imaginative play, reflecting the series' narrative of four girls becoming legendary warriors. Literary extensions included a five-book series by Sadie Chesterfield, published as tie-ins to the animated show, covering adventures like The Diamond Curse and starting with stories based directly on episodes. released adaptations, such as Mysticons Volume 1 (2018) and Volume 2 (2019), reimagining the premise as a contemporary where four diverse girls transform into the Mysticons to battle evil. These publications expanded the franchise's lore, focusing on prophecy-driven quests and character dynamics, with Volume 1 emphasizing the initial bonding of protagonists Arkayna, Zarya, Emerald, and Piper. No major video games or apparel lines were prominently developed as official tie-ins, though secondary market resale of toys and books persisted post-series cancellation.

Financial Performance

Mysticons was developed as a co-production between , The Company, and , integrating toy licensing from the outset to support financial viability through ancillary revenue streams beyond broadcast rights. launched its first action figure collection tied to the series in November 2017, targeting the girls' action toy market with figures depicting the four protagonists as mystical warriors. Additional licensing agreements included publishing partnerships with for books, announced in September 2017, and for a series, revealed in May 2017. The series' production budget was characterized as modest, with animation resources employed imaginatively to achieve dynamic action sequences despite fiscal limitations. Specific figures for overall production costs, broadcast licensing fees, or merchandise sales revenue remain undisclosed in public financial disclosures from or its parent company, , reflecting standard practices for non-flagship animated properties. 's kids and family segment, encompassing 's output including Mysticons, contributed to consolidated revenues of approximately C$1.37 billion in fiscal , though attributions to individual titles like Mysticons are not itemized. No reports indicate exceptional financial outperformance, such as blockbuster toy sales akin to major franchises, positioning Mysticons as a mid-tier commercial effort within the children's animation sector during its 2017-2018 run. Recent audience demand analytics show sustained interest at 2.0 times the average U.S. TV series level, potentially bolstering long-tail licensing value, but this does not directly correlate to initial financial returns.

Reception and Impact

Critical Evaluations

Mysticons garnered limited professional critical attention, consistent with its targeted appeal to young audiences as a Canadian-American produced by and aired on from 2017 to 2018. User-generated ratings on average 5.5 out of 10 based on 413 votes, reflecting a middling reception among viewers. Common Sense Media assigned the series a 3-out-of-5-star rating, deeming it suitable for ages 7 and older owing to frequent fantasy violence involving magical battles and dark imagery, such as skeletal antagonists and petrified figures. The review highlighted positive elements like the empowerment of four young female leads—Princess Arkayna, Zarya, Piper, and Emerald—who transform into warriors to defend their realm, emphasizing themes of friendship, bravery, and collective problem-solving as a to male-centric action shows. It also noted the inclusion of diverse character representations, though critiqued the content as non-educational beyond basic moral lessons. A 2025 Collider ranking of Nelvana's top 10 produced shows placed Mysticons at eighth, crediting its inventive narrative that merges medieval fantasy with futuristic technology in the urban setting of Drake City, where the protagonists quest for a magical to thwart villains like Dreadbane and Necrafa. The analysis praised the series' willingness to incorporate mature undertones, including explorations of and familial loss—such as Arkayna's interactions with her petrified parents—elevating it beyond typical children's fare. However, observed that the show's abrupt end after two seasons curtailed its development, marking it as one that concluded prematurely. Fan-oriented and independent critiques often diverged, with blogs like Overly Animated hailing the first season's ambitious plotting and world-building as among the strongest in decade-spanning , urging viewers to overlook its low profile. In contrast, user reviews on and personal analyses on platforms like faulted the for lacking polish, the storyline for erratic progression, and character arcs for inconsistency, such as underdeveloped motivations beyond initial setups, which undermined engagement for some audiences. These evaluations underscore a divide between appreciation for conceptual innovation and executional shortcomings in visuals and narrative cohesion.

Audience Responses

Audience responses to Mysticons were generally mixed, with appeal primarily among young female viewers and parents seeking empowering content for children aged 6-11, though broader reception highlighted production shortcomings. On , the series averages 5.5 out of 10 from 413 user ratings, reflecting criticisms of subpar quality, pacing issues, and occasionally clichéd writing, as noted in user reviews describing it as "boring with bad writing." However, written reviews (10 available) show a more positive lean among engaged users, averaging around 7.4 out of 10, praising the strong, diverse female protagonists and thoughtful plots suitable for , with comments like "great show for young girls" emphasizing and motivational elements. Common Sense Media assigns a 3 out of 5 rating, recommending it for ages 7 and up, and highlights its draw for children fond of anime-style adventures featuring magical creatures and female-led battles against evil, positioning it as a colorful alternative to male-dominated series. Parent and kid reviews (two each) underscore its fun, empowering narrative for young audiences, though limited in volume. Fan discussions on platforms like express nostalgia and defend its quality, with users lamenting its lack of reruns or streaming availability despite viewing it as "great" during childhood, indicating a niche but dedicated following rather than widespread popularity. Low initial viewership, such as episodes drawing approximately 0.1 million viewers on in the U.S., contributed to its obscurity outside core demographics. Communities on and subreddits sustain interest through headcanons and character discussions, suggesting enduring appeal among enthusiasts despite mainstream indifference.

Controversies and Debates

One notable controversy surrounding Mysticons involved the planned inclusion of a same-sex kiss between characters Zarya Moonwolf and Kitty Boon, which was ultimately removed from the series due to objections from sponsors and conservative advocacy groups. Creator Sean Jara stated that the scene, intended for an episode, faced pushback that led to excise it, despite his efforts to retain the romantic subplot as part of the show's queer representation. This decision highlighted broader tensions in children's programming over LGBTQ+ content, with Jara noting that the characters' relationship was developed with input from queer writers but compromised by external commercial pressures. The incident sparked debates about the feasibility of authentic queer narratives in animated series aimed at young audiences, particularly on networks reliant on toy tie-ins and advertiser funding. Proponents of the inclusion argued it normalized diverse relationships akin to heterosexual ones depicted in the show, aligning with the series' emphasis on female empowerment and friendship. Critics, including some parent advocacy organizations, contended that such elements introduced adult themes unsuitable for children under 10, potentially alienating family demographics. Jara later reflected that the cuts reflected systemic caution in the industry, where even subtle queer coding risked backlash, though the show retained implied representation through character dynamics and voice acting choices. Fan discussions also debated the series' abrupt cancellation after two seasons in 2018, despite initial plans for a franchise including toys and graphic novels. Some attributed low viewership to inadequate promotion by , which prioritized established properties, leading to the show receiving limited reruns and no streaming availability post-airing. Others pointed to narrative choices, such as subverting fan expectations around character identities (e.g., the Mysticon Ranger's true heritage), which disappointed segments of the audience seeking more predictable heroic archetypes. These elements fueled online forums questioning whether creative risks, including progressive themes, hindered commercial success amid competition from and series.

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